Death by Lack of Discipline

“For human ways are under the eyes of the Lord, and he examines all their paths.
The iniquities of the wicked ensnare them, and they are caught in the toils of their sin. They die for lack of discipline, and because of their great folly they are lost.”
Proverbs 5:21-23 (NRSV)


To die for lack of discipline is a tragic epitaph. We might conclude quickly that the instances of such are readily evident in our world, among our acquaintances, and even noted among those we have as family, neighbors, or close associates. The “lack of discipline” refers to the unwillingness of an individual to be taught and then to apply what they were taught to their personal living.

Mothers teach their children not to run into the street into oncoming traffic.
The failure to learn can be deadly. In similar ways, the instruction of God is offered to enable us to live…to have abundant opportunity for life’s joys and blessings. God’s intention toward us is ever to redeem, to save, to offer life for all who are willing to be “disciplined” with the love of the living God. Disciplined living engages a relationship of learning. It comprehends the benefits of relating to God in order to receive instruction and guidance and provision for our days. The nature of life as God extends his mercy and grace toward us is ever intended to show us the way to an everlasting hope through the conscious, willful decision to renounce sin and to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ and His way for living. To be disciplined in Christ is to learn how to love and how to live.